Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Chad Kuhn, Told Him - 17

The Athletics and manager Tony LaRussa ended up wanting Kuhn. But it wasn't as a hitter, The Journal wrote.

"They were amazed with the physicality I came in with. They looked at my
agent and (told him they would) sign me as a pitcher. Tony LaRussa asked
me what this bicep was all about. I told him," Kuhn told The Journal, laughing, "that I thought I was gonna be one of the Bash Brothers."

Kuhn
went to that tryout having been a position player in his first two
professional seasons. He signed with the Athletics as a pitcher, but
that could extend his career only three more seasons. He never made AAA.

Kuhn's career began in 1988, taken by the Padres in the 31st round of the draft out of the University of New Mexico.

He
started at short-season Spokane as a first baseman. In 47 games,
though, he hit .150. He started his career 0 for 11, before breaking
through with a two-run single that gave Spokane a lead.

Signed
by the Athletics for 1990, the pitcher Kuhn returned to the Midwest
League, this time to Madison. In 21 outings, seven starts, he had a 3.18 ERA.

Kuhn
moved to AA Huntsville for 1991, ending with a 5.96 ERA over 43 relief
outings. He returned to Huntsville for most of 1992, getting some time
at high-A Modesto. Overall that year, he had a 4.52 ERA. It was his final season as a pro.

Kuhn has since returned home to New Mexico and become a high school baseball coach. He's coaching in 2016 at Valley High School in Albuquerque.

He
and his family have also seen adversity. In January 2015, a fund raiser
was held to benefit the family. Kuhn's daughter Faith underwent 11
surgeries by the age of 8, diagnosed with spina bifida, according to The Journal.